Language Center

Is one of your goals while earning the LL.M. to improve your fluency in conversational English or to write a publishable quality paper in English? If so, the Language Center can help. We offer non-credit conversation groups and writing groups taught by a linguist-lawyer team to complement your law classes.

We offer two separate programs. The English in Context conversation groups give you a forum for practicing your oral communication skills. The Writing Workshop Series writing groups can assist you in advancing your written communication skills. Both programs are designed to foster a supportive, collegial, and rigorous small group learning environment.

Conversation Groups

The conversation groups meet for one hour a week for eight weeks beginning after Add/Drop and concluding before the semester ends. During these sessions you will enhance your comprehension and use of English in the U.S. context. At the conversation groups you will receive individual feedback on your oral communication.

Writing Groups

The writing groups are a series of eight non-credit sessions that meet for one hour a week beginning after Add/Drop and concluding before the semester ends. Each week you will work on your memo or seminar paper topic by focusing on a specific step in the legal academic writing process. As a participant in the 8-week writing group you are eligible to receive individual feedback intended to enhance your skills as writer.

More Information, Sign Up Sheets and Workshop Locations

For more information about the Language Center, go to TWEN, add the course "Language Center" and browse the documents and links.

The conversation group and writing group sign-up period will be announced via email at the beginning of each semester. When the sign-up sheets are available, go to the Language Center TWEN page and click on "Sign-Up Sheets" in the left hand navigation panel. Select a day of the week and a time that fits your schedule, and then click "sign up" to add your name to that group. Sign up is limited to a maximum of one conversation group and one writing group per semester.

All conversation groups and writing groups are held in E. B. Williams Library 420 A/B. To reach the classroom, go to the fourth floor of Williams Library and enter through either the "4 Central" of "4 West" doors. Make your way through the stacks to the large classroom, 420 A/B, located in the northwest corner of the building